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Taylor named England fielding coach in landmark move
Former England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor was named England's fielding coach for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, becoming the first woman to coach England's men's side in a major sport. The appointment accompanies a packed schedule including a three-day training camp at Loughborough and a Lord's Test beginning on June 4, with Taylor joining a rapidly evolving England set-up.
Why It Matters
This marks a historic breakthrough for gender barriers in men's team sport coaching and signals ongoing evolution in coaching roles within English cricket.
Timeline
10 Events
Future involvement suggested by Key
May 13, 2026
England's managing director of men's cricket Rob Key said both he and Taylor will continue to work with the team in the future.
Tim Southee to return as England's bowling coach
May 13, 2026
Former New Zealand bowler Tim Southee will not be at the camp but will return as bowling coach for the series against his former side.
NZ squad for series includes new players
May 13, 2026
The squad includes Ollie Robinson and uncapped players James Rew, Emilio Gay and Sonny Baker.
First-Test squad training camp in Loughborough
May 13, 2026
The first-Test squad meets for a three-day training camp in Loughborough from 25 May, with Brendon McCullum present.
Curfew from Sri Lanka white-ball tour to remain for NZ series
May 13, 2026
A curfew introduced for the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in January will remain in place for the New Zealand series.
First Test vs New Zealand begins at Lord's
May 13, 2026
England's first Test against New Zealand begins at Lord's on 4 June 2026, their first Test in the format since the Ashes campaign.
Trailblazing appointment context
May 13, 2026
The appointment comes with Taylor having worked as a coach in men's cricket for Sussex, Manchester Originals and England Lions, and with Rob Key emphasising her status as one of the best in the business.
Announcement: Taylor named England fielding coach
May 13, 2026
Sarah Taylor was named England's fielding coach for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, making her the first woman to coach England's men's side in a major sport.
Taylor's World Cup success (2017)
2017
Taylor won the 50-over World Cup with England in 2017.
Taylor's World Cup success (2009)
2009
Taylor won the 50-over World Cup with England in 2009 and the T20 World Cup in 2009.